The Journey - October 27, 2014

Psalm 12 For the director of music. According to sheminith. A psalm of David Help, LORD, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race. Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts. May the LORD silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue—those who say,“By our tongues we will prevail; our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?” “Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will protect them from those who malign them.” And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times. You, LORD, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked, who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.

Ever had one of those days when you feel like you are the last Christian standing? That’s where David was sitting when he wrote today’s psalm. He felt that the last faithful and loyal person had disappeared from the face of the earth. Liars and deceivers had replaced them. David looked around to see the shameful being honored by, what seemed to be, the entire human race. David was in a bad spot, so he prayed.

David’s prayer is short and to the point - “Help, Lord…,” and God answered his prayer. He assured David that he would “arise” and “protect” him from all his enemies. With this promise David’s complaint turns into confidence. He knew that God would fulfill all of his promises because “the words of the Lord are flawless.”

Today you may be where David was when he wrote this psalm. You still feel like you are the only one in your office, school, family or neighborhood who cares about the things of God. You feel like the godly are gone, the faithful have gone missing, and those who oppose God have taken over. It’s time to pray. A simple prayer of “Help, Lord…” will do. It’s time to gain confidence from God’s impeccable Word. Our confidence is this: God will protect us forever from the wicked.

Father, there are times I feel like I am the last one standing. Politicians, the media and neighbors down the street honor revolting and disgusting things. My prayer to you is short - Help! Help me gain perspective. Protect me from those who oppose you. I am needy. Please come to my aid. In Jesus’ name. Amen.